INTERVIEW: Lindisfarne Festival

Image by: Terrorvision by Neil Ferry

Earlier this year the region’s festival season was dealt a blow when event organisers Wannasee cancelled several high profile events including Northern Kin and Kubix. Also circling the drain was Lindisfarne Festival, the region’s biggest outdoor live music festival, which also happened to be celebrating their 10^th anniversary this year. Music fans were understandably gutted, and Lindisfarne’s ‘pilgrims’ are a dedicated bunch; cue some behind the scenes wrangling, the stepping in of Hardwick Festival and the return of festival founder Conleth Maenpaa to save the day.

Conleth explains the story behind the saga: “I sold the festival [in 2024] as the mounting costs and the uncertainty of ticket sales meant that the financial pressure was huge. I felt that I had achieved my objective, which was to create the most special place festival in the North East. So when Wannasee were looking at administration and Lindisfarne Festival was potentially lost as well, I was asked by the Hardwick Festival team if I would come back and work with them to bring back the magic. The love people have for the festival was so apparent, and the work and time hundreds of people have put into it meant we had to do everything we could to keep it alive. It means so much to so many people.”

The love people have for the festival was so apparent, and the work and time hundreds of people have put into it meant we had to do everything we could to keep it alive

Likened to a mini-Glastonbury, Lindisfarne includes all the proper festival trappings you’d expect – from multiple stages and a varied line-up, to holistic experiences and good vibes aplenty – maybe it’s the somewhat mystical setting overlooking the Holy Island causeway, or the down-to-earth atmosphere and eclectic performances; it’s a festival that resonates with attendees. “The vast majority of people camp and there is a tremendous atmosphere. There is no trouble, a lot of partying and it’s the kind of festival where you can go on your own and make friends immediately. The music covers all genres as there are nine stages to get absorbed into. The site is spectacular and there is a real sense of community and spirit to it. The pilgrims are so friendly and fun. It’s brilliant.”

Conleth is emphatic about the ethos behind the event, which from the outset always aimed to bring people together in a fun and inclusive atmosphere. “Whilst the festival as a whole is a big party, it also has yoga and meditation, walkabout entertainers, comedy, spoken word, everything! Later on the energy moves up a level and the place is bouncing. You will find great new bands, amazing DJs, a few old favourites and some huge acts. There are hundreds of performers and as a whole they support us and we support them.”

The festival’s line-up features headliners Doves, Hawkwind, The Waterboys, Jamie Webster and Armand van Helden, with a supporting cast including Lottery Winners, Scouting For Girls, Terrorvision, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, Lucy Spraggan, Sugarhill Gang & The Furious 5, Inspiral Carpets, Utah Saints, Beans on Toast, Smoove & Turrell, Sonny Tennet, Abi Nyxx and many, many more. But, as Conleth insists, there’s always something for every taste: “You don’t even need to know who is playing as you will have fun regardless, but having said that each year the line-up punches way above its weight. I would say just give it a try, it will live up to the hype!”

Lindisfarne Festival takes place at Beal Farm, Northumberland from Thursday 28^th-Saturday 30^th August.